Cravings Are Information, Not a Problem to Fix

Dec 15

If you’ve noticed cravings ramping up lately, especially for sugar, carbs, or comfort foods, I want to start by saying this:

You are not lacking willpower.
Cravings are not a character flaw.
They are communication. ( You can quite the food noise!)

During busy, stressful seasons (hello motherhood, work, and life), cravings are often a mix of emotional needs and physiological signals. When we understand the difference, we can respond with compassion instead of guilt and that’s where real change happens.

Emotional vs. Physiological Cravings. What’s the Difference?

Emotional Cravings

These cravings are driven by feelings rather than true hunger.

They often show up when you’re:

Overwhelmed or overstimulated ( insert child crying and the TV going!)
Tired or emotionally depleted ( mom can you_____fill in the blank 100000 times a day!)
Lonely or disconnected ( we are so connected but yet so disconnected. I challenge you to look into your partners eyes for 2 minutes! and hold eachother)
Seeking comfort or relief ( evening glass of wine to “relax”, stopping at the drive thru because “i deserve it” )

Emotional cravings tend to:

Be sudden and intense
Focus on specific foods (chocolate, wine, bread, chips think sweet/salty)
Feel urgent ( I see this often in women, they will speak quickly and almost seem out of breath)
Come with guilt or frustration afterward (I might as well have another one because the day is already ___ insert word of choice!)

Food becomes a quick way to self-soothe and that makes sense. Your nervous system is asking for comfort.

Physiological Cravings (really dive into this one! )

These cravings come from your body needing nourishment or balance.

They often show up when:

You’ve skipped meals or under-eaten ( you might feel shaky, light headed, mood swings)
Protein intake has been low ( cottage cheese in your salad is not enough protein!)
Blood sugar is unstable ( not eating a balanced meal, leading to wanting a snack an hour after your lunch!)
Stress hormones are elevated ( when insulin is not balanced your body will experience MORE stress!)
Sleep has been poor (one night off poor sleep will increase your cravings, and increase your insulin levels!)

Physiological cravings tend to:

Come with physical hunger ( have you ever woke in the middle of the might with stomach pain?)
Improve after a balanced meal
Feel more general (food, not a specific treat)
Leave you feeling satisfied afterward

This is your body asking for fuel, not discipline.

The Physiology Behind Cravings (This Is the Part Most Women (people in general!) Aren’t Taught)

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening in your body.

When stress increases (mental load, deadlines, parenting, emotional pressure), your body releases cortisol.

Elevated cortisol:

Signals the brain to seek quick energy
Increases cravings for sugar and refined carbs
Disrupts blood sugar balance

When you eat those quick-energy foods:

Insulin spikes to manage the sugar
Blood sugar drops shortly after (the bigger the spike the bigger the drop!)
You feel tired, irritable, and hungry again. and again. and again.
Cravings return, often stronger (its a viscous cycle!)

This creates a loop:
Stress → cravings → insulin spikes → energy crash → more cravings → more stress

This is physiology, not failure. ( give yourself a hug, because once you understand this loop! You can make changes to avoid it and RECONIZE IT!)

Why Moms Are Especially Vulnerable to This Cycle

Moms often:

Eat last (or not at all, eat what is left from there kids plate!)
Multitask through meals ( distracted eating impairs digestion)
Carry constant mental load ( really our brain never stops!)
Push through exhaustion ( we dont need to momma, self care is so important!)
Rely on quick foods to “get through the day” ( coffee, muffins, drive thru, whatever is left from your kids plate!)

Your body adapts to survive but over time, this keeps cravings and energy crashes stuck on repeat.

How to Interrupt the Craving Cycle (Gently, Not Restrictively)

Here’s how to support your body instead of fighting it:

1. Pause Before You Eat

Ask yourself:

“Is my body hungry… or is my nervous system overwhelmed?”

Even a 5–10 second pause brings awareness back online.

2. Anchor Meals With Protein + Produce

Protein and fiber stabilize blood sugar, which naturally reduces cravings.
This is one of the most powerful tools you have. (I like to call complete in 3, balance your plate with protein, fats and fiber!)

3. Eat in a ‘Rest & Digest’ State

Sit down.
Take a few deep breaths.
Slow your bites. (chew chew chew!)

Digestion starts in the mouth, and by having a CALM nervous system

4. Meet Emotional Needs Without Food First

If the craving is emotional, try:

A walk
Stretching
Journaling
A warm tea (peppermint, ginger to name a few)
A few minutes of quiet
Brushing your teeth

Food can still be part of comfort, just not the only tool.

5. Enjoy Treats Intentionally

You don’t need to avoid holiday foods.
Just avoid grazing and eating reactively.

Eat meals first.
Choose your favourites.
Sit, enjoy, and move on.